Climate Change a National Security Threat

I had the pleasure of hearing retired marine corps General Anthony Zinni speak at Bowdoin on April 9. He is a brilliant soldier and statesman, having been commander in chief of U.S. Central Command and having preceded George Mitchell as middle east envoy, among other achievements of his career.

The topic of his talk was security issues.

He identified that the military has for decades identified climate change as a major security threat, and in some instances, as the major security threat (this is seen in numerous high level strategic documents such as the Quadrennial Defense Review and Department of Defense Directive on Climate Change and Reslilence).

In reading further this week on the perspective of the US military on climate change, I learned that in December 2017, a new National Security Statement was released, under our current commander in chief, which did not include climate change as a security threat, in contrast to many previous Pentagon assessments. The National Security Statement is primarily a political document, issued from the White House, not the Pentagon.

It is time for our commander in chief to listen to his generals on this topic.

Dodie Kaloust,

Brunswick

Another Response to Rep. Jeff Pierce

I question the reasoning of State Rep. Jeff Pierce, who wrote in his April 13 letter to the editor that he voted against overriding Gov. LePage’s veto of LD 1444. He maintains that the use of solar power adds cost to other electric customers.

How odd then, that Rep. Pierce voted yes on LD 1444 initially, and then changed his vote when the effort was made to override LePage’s veto; he did the same in 2017. What explanation does he offer for his yes votes if he is convinced the development of solar power is bad for Maine?

I urge Mainers to educate themselves about the many benefits of solar, and other methods of alternative energy sources. The Public Utilities Commission is pro-fossil fuels, and Central Maine Power has lobbied hard against solar power. How sad for Mine, which every year falls further behind all the other states of New England in the development of solar power.

Many other nations, including Germany, Australia, and China are far ahead the the USA in building for a future of clean, non-polluting alternative energy sources.

It is often said that solar panels are “for the rich”. No one but I paid for my solar panels, my heat pumps, and my hybrid hot water heater. I’m elderly, and live on Social Security, my savings, and a small pension. It is a fallacy that only rich people install solar. People of modest income can choose to go green with solar. Find out for yourself.

Adair DeLamater,

Bath

Supporting Vitelli

I am thrilled that Senator Eloise Vitelli is running for re-election to continue to represent the people of Sagadahoc County and Dresden. Having grown up in Woolwich, I joined the majority of my friends left the state for college. When I made a lifestyle decision to return to Maine after graduating, I knew that there would be challenges. We’re deeply fortunate to have a Senator representing us in Augusta that understands the challenges of young Mainers, like me.

This session, Sen. Vitelli sponsored a bill that would rein in predatory student loan servicers and protect borrowers in Maine. She understands that if we want to retain and attract young people, we need to address the student debt crisis that’s holding back my generation.

Sen. Vitelli also supports efforts to offer loan forgiveness to those engaged in STEM careers, and for those of us who stay and work in Maine. She understands that access to education creates pathways to success that benefit not only young people, but the entire state. Sen. Vitelli is committed to working on reducing the cost of higher education and supporting workforce development in our changing economy.

I moved back to Maine because I love this community and I’m dedicated to our collective future. Sen. Vitelli shares my values and amplifies this voice everyday as our State Senator. I cannot wait to vote for her again in November.

Kate Elmes,

Woolwich